Antique Chinese Ivory Chess set. Circa 1920.

Delicate Chinese portable chess made of hand-carved ivory in the first quater of XX Century. This beautiful article is as charming as original, and is in very good condition. The chess is complete and has white pieces (in their natural ivory color) and red pieces (dyed ivory). All the figures can be stored in the golden and lacquered wooden box, which when open becomes a practical and decorative chessboard. The box is also wonderfully preserved and its glossy finish turns it into a highly beautiful item.As stated before the chess keeps all its pieces, and all of them are carved with great detail. The pawns, bishops, horses and the rest of the figures are traditional ancient characters. They are dressed in luxurious clothes and carry flags and swords. Each pawn holds a big sword in his right hand, but many of these swords have detached thought they are kept with the chess and can be attached to the pieces again. Some pieces are especially remarkable such as the towers, which are big elephants with flags and riders.The red pieces have been dyed in a vivid red color, which turns them into very original and attractive items. The great detail the figures have been carved with and the expressiveness that their faces show reveals the hand of a great ivory carver. The chessboard-box where the set is stored is lacquered black and decorated with typical Chinese scenes all around. The board is composed of black (the lacquer color) and golden squares, and it is surrounded by two slim golden frames. The hinges are in good condition and so is the lovely blue velvet which covers the plates where the pieces can be inserted.This striking Chinese chess is not only a highly decorative piece, but it is also a valuable antique that will enhance any collection it happens to be part of.Box measurements (closed): Width: 375 mm. Height: 100 mm.